Minerva—Oh Ma, I’m so glad.
Bill (gives book-bag and note to Pa)—See what a smart boy I’m goin’ to turn into!
Pa (reads)—“To Ma and Pa. I bet you won’t believe me, but I’m goin’ to get my homework up every night ’cept Friday as good as I can.—Bill.” That’s the way to talk, Bill. We’ll all be proud of you some day.
Jennie—Read mine, Ma, read mine.
Ma (reads)—“To whom it may conserve. I, Jennie Simpson, do promise to practice my music lessons faithlessly and preservingly every time Ma says I must. I hope she’ll be mercyfill.”
Ma—I will, Jennie, I promise. Bless your dear heart.
Bobby (takes his off tree)—Here’s mine! Here’s mine! (gives it to Pa).
Pa—Bless my soul! A cake of soap! (reads) “I’ll always keep behind my ears clean where it shows.—Bobby.”
Betty—And mine, and mine (gives to Ma).
Ma—Is that what I heard? (reads) I—I—Oh, I haven’t my glasses. You read it, Betty.